Republican Mayoral Candidate Says Mayor Should Not Have City Car for Personal Use

The following is a press release from Bernard "Bob" Joy, Republican candidate for mayor.

Milford, Connecticut, September 22, 2011 - Alderman Bob Joy announced today that, if elected mayor in November, he will institute an immediate change in policy regarding the mayor’s ability to use city vehicles for personal use.

The announcement followed a news report today that Mayor Jim Richetelli had been cited for his involvement in a three-car accident while using the government vehicle for personal business.

“I’ve thought about this for awhile as I’ve been talking with city employees and department heads,” Joy said. “I came to the conclusion that the mayor, as an example to all employees, should forego the use of his or her city vehicle for purposes other than work. I looked at it as a cost-saving measure and, frankly, this reported accident reinforces my opinion.”

Joy noted that, at this time, he does not favor placing the same restriction on other City employees who are permitted personal use of city vehicles, either by past practice or existing policy. He acknowledged the importance of negotiating this issue with appropriate labor unions.

“It is very important to involve our unions whenever modifications are considered in work rules or conditions. The office of mayor is an elected, not union, position though. My example hopefully will spur conversation about savings we might realize if others confined their use of city vehicles to working hours,” Joy said.